New Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason speaks during a press conference Saturday at McGugin Center.

Written by

Jeff Lockridge
| jlockridge@tennessean.com

Derek Mason landed his first commitment as Vanderbilt's football coach on Tuesday night, receiving a pledge hours after he met with and offered a scholarship to 6-foot-4 wide receiver Rashad Canty of Riverdale (Ga.).

Canty bumped the Commodores' commitment number to nine, according to 247Sports.com. He told the recruiting site he had been hoping for a Vanderbilt offer and was surprised to see Mason show up at his school. Among Canty's offers were Wake Forest, Minnesota and MTSU.

It was Mason's first day traveling to meet recruits since being introduced as coach on Saturday as he and his ...